I’m stepping on to unknown ground…I’m leaving my tattoo studio.

[PogArt-Ttoo]

Few days ago something bad has happened in my tattoo studio, while I wasn’t there due to my full time job shifts.
Other artist has kindly informed me, that someone left the studio…
I wasn’t aware why, I knew that artist.., so complaints she were rising - fighting by herself for everybody’s favour in the studio.
I assumed that’s the reason she has left,
Unfortunately there was something else behind…
She exposed full story on her Instagram account, sharing sexual harassment she was experiencing from the shop owner since she joined being 19th - it was happening on and off throughout 6 years.
If I add on top, that shop owner’s partner was everyday at the studio as a receptionist, and they have two kids, so everyone knows her very well…
- Shop owner has apologised by text message every member, asking for making decision to leave or stay…
I’ve been in the studio for last two days.
One girl(apprentice) has left with tears, she said she don’t wanna be there anymore, and feel unsafe…
Other artists considering to leave too, many of them are girls.
I haven’t spoken to everyone, but some aren’t sure what to do next yet…
This is the way they making money for living, they have families, etc.
It’s not related personally to me, I mean the situation of sexual harassment, but I’m feeling affected too.
I’ve lost my motivation to serve setting up station for the shop owner, to work for him, cleaning his floors, etc…
Do you know I mean?
Nothing will be same if I stay.
I’ve lost respect to him.
I decided to leave.
The above situation has only speeded up my decision.
In short:
I was working for him over 10 months.
All the time sweeping, mopping, bins, shopping, setting up stations for anybody in need, etc.
After my duties I could have clients from beginning of this year.
I was hoping he’ll let me earn money after 4, maybe 5 months?
It’s over 7 months and I’m doing my tattoos for free.
Even though there’s two more apprentices (I don’t know how long for after what’s happened…) I wasn’t released from cleaning floors…
The best part is that I was told, that if he lets me tattooing for money, my rate will be £10p/h and he’ll take 50% off it…
Shall I add that I am purchasing my own needles, inks and necessary accessories for myself?
£5 to my pocket per hour.
So I’m leaving, no point to stay after taking whole in consideration.
I’m 53, I’m aware it could be the end of my tattoo adventure.
Obviously I’m not giving up.
I’ll try to keep asking at the other tattoo studios if they may will give me a chance…
Thank you for reading the story through.
I just wanted to share what’s happening on my tattoo path
Recently there’s going on discussion within staff members…
They’re considering taking the shop over from Luke in legal way, or to rent and adapt any other available accommodation together…
The subject is very hot you see.
If they can manage the above, I’m willing to stay with them - it’s obvious
All of them are good friends, and good people to me
I’m sorry the story tale has ended up a bit too long though.

[Laurene]

I’m sorry Artur and I’m angry!!. For this to have gone on for so long …. Well, I just don’t understand. I’m sorry for that girl, and if all of this is true ( sounds like Luke admits it), then I’m sure there were other girls.

I’m not young anymore. I’ve lived my life. To see young girls in this day and age go through what my generation did is ridiculous! For every step forward, there are 2 steps backward . There is hope though, because it seems she is believed and the younger girls are standing up for themselves.

All of you working in the studio are affected by this. It isn’t fair to you either. I know how much tattooing means to you, and I can only hope that something good will come of this, meaning that you will find a studio that gives you a fair chance to advance.

I wish you the best of luck Artur. With your string desire to learn and your love of art, I know you’ll land on your feet. You deserve better than this.

[Mike Sibley]

I decided to leave. The above situation has only speeded up my decision. In short:
I was working for him over 10 months. All the time sweeping, mopping, bins, shopping, setting up stations for anybody in need, etc. I was hoping he’ll let me earn money after 4, maybe 5 months? It’s over 7 months, and I’m doing my tattoos for free.

You're simply too good to still be doing that. In that situation, it's time to break away.

...my rate will be £10p/h and he’ll take 50% off it… I am purchasing my own needles, inks and necessary accessories for myself? £5 to my pocket per hour. So I’m leaving...

Personally, I think that's the right decision - for all the reasons you mentioned. Including earning almost nothing when you are finally allowed to charge.

Sometimes these things happen for the best reasons. In this case, I think the enforced break is probably what you needed. Plus, you now have experience, and you can take that to any other tattoo parlour with a view to joining them. At least until you have enough of a client base to obtain your own premises. Or...

They’re considering taking the shop over from Luke in a legal way, or to rent and adapt any other available accommodation together…

... take that route instead. Again, at least until you can branch out on your own. And, let's be honest, you know, and I know, that you have enough drive and talent to eventually run your own multi-artist tattoo studio.

Can you be mobile? I don't know if mobile tattooists exist, but could that be an option? You visiting your clients would save a lot on overheads. Although you might have to change the bike/scooter for a car.

I’m 53, I’m aware it could be the end of my tattoo adventure...

...or THE START.

[PogArt-Ttoo]

I’m sorry Artur and I’m angry!!. For this to have gone on for so long …. Well, I just don’t understand. I’m sorry for that girl, and if all of this is true ( sounds like Luke admits it), then I’m sure there were other girls.

I’m not young anymore. I’ve lived my life. To see young girls in this day and age go through what my generation did is ridiculous! For every step forward, there are 2 steps backward . There is hope though, because it seems she is believed and the younger girls are standing up for themselves.

All of you working in the studio are affected by this. It isn’t fair to you either. I know how much tattooing means to you, and I can only hope that something good will come of this, meaning that you will find a studio that gives you a fair chance to advance.

I wish you the best of luck Artur. With your string desire to learn and your love of art, I know you’ll land on your feet. You deserve better than this.

All this story could be made up in the way of angry girl revenge thing, if shop owner wouldn’t sort of confirmed the story with his sent text with apologies…
She has mentioned about him being sentenced in Manchester for some time FOR SAME THING!.., leaving the shop without any support and the staff to deal with clients…
Therefore it seems it’s not made up story of an angry girl.
Furthermore he’s not showing in the shop since?
Everybody is angry saying it’s disrespectful to the staff after this many years in the shop?
So whatever will happen, I’m gonna try to stick to those members, whenever they go, and if they want me with them.
If things gone wrong, and they may spread out, I’ll pack my stuff left in the shop and I will be trying find new place
I have nothing to lose
There’s many tattoo studios around, I may just need some time to find one that accepts me
Thank you Laurene

[PogArt-Ttoo]

I decided to leave. The above situation has only speeded up my decision. In short:
I was working for him over 10 months. All the time sweeping, mopping, bins, shopping, setting up stations for anybody in need, etc. I was hoping he’ll let me earn money after 4, maybe 5 months? It’s over 7 months, and I’m doing my tattoos for free.

You're simply too good to still be doing that. In that situation, it's time to break away.

...my rate will be £10p/h and he’ll take 50% off it… I am purchasing my own needles, inks and necessary accessories for myself? £5 to my pocket per hour. So I’m leaving...

Personally, I think that's the right decision - for all the reasons you mentioned. Including earning almost nothing when you are finally allowed to charge.

Sometimes these things happen for the best reasons. In this case, I think the enforced break is probably what you needed. Plus, you now have experience, and you can take that to any other tattoo parlour with a view to joining them. At least until you have enough of a client base to obtain your own premises. Or...

They’re considering taking the shop over from Luke in a legal way, or to rent and adapt any other available accommodation together…

... take that route instead. Again, at least until you can branch out on your own. And, let's be honest, you know, and I know, that you have enough drive and talent to eventually run your own multi-artist tattoo studio.

Can you be mobile? I don't know if mobile tattooists exist, but could that be an option? You visiting your clients would save a lot on overheads. Although you might have to change the bike/scooter for a car.

I’m 53, I’m aware it could be the end of my tattoo adventure...

...or THE START.

Thank you so much Mike for so many positive vibes
Thank you it means a lot the support from you and Laurene, and Linda

I’ve received the text message this morning :
- Art get here asap to get your shit out the studio - everyone is leaving.

So I went to get packed everything to my car.
Everybody was there, about 8 artists…
We went to local food shop for breakfast, and then we went to have a pint and chill out a bit, enjoying our companion…
Obviously I’ve had 0% alcohol and few others who came by car
I have left sooner, no point to stay for all day…

So that’s it.
His business has gone in one day for what he did.
Well deserved.
I was told today he was sentenced in Manchester couple years ago by being accused of rapping his wife, therefore they got divorced, and this is how he’s got two kids with his partner…
Most probably she will leave him as well after all this story.

Unfortunately in one day time, so many artists ended up on the street, without place to work for.
We were wishing good luck to each other today

Let see what life will bring me next

Thank you dear Mike

[Laurene]

Good riddance to that mess Artur! You have talent. That will take you far! I have great confidence in your future!!

[PogArt-Ttoo]

Good riddance to that mess Artur! You have talent. That will take you far! I have great confidence in your future!!

Thank you VERY MUCH
I’ll keep you updated

[LindasPencils]

oh my goodness. What a horrible situation. You are well out if it. Your ex-boss sounds like a person that takes advantage of people, either young females are sexually harrassed, or aspiring artists are not paid their worth being told you need 'experience'. This guy gives a bad name to tatoo studios - which face it, don't have a good historical reputation already! But good studios are trying hard to clean up that reputation, and there are many around.
Don't give up on your dream.
But moving forward, treat it in a more professional way. There are some excellent tattoo studios around, but you need to approach them as you would an art gallery. Here’s what I have had to do to get into a new gallery:
1. Visit the studios website and review their style and see if you fit. Quietly visit the gallery/studio and just look at the presentation of the place. Is it neat and clean? Do the staff seem happy? Does the curator (boss) seem a nice person, or a snob/jerk? Do they display art you like? You don't have to give a reason for being there at all - if they ask, just say you are interested in skin art and see where it goes. Avoid asking up front for a job right away. Feel the place out first.
2. Read/find out about the studios culture. Perhaps they have a mission statement on the website
3. Follow them on Instagram or sign up for their newsletter.
4. See if they work with emerging artists or prefer established names.
5. Once you find the parlour you like, send them an email that is short and professional and includes:

• 3 or 4 work examples with titles and date
  An artist statement that explains your practice and preferred themes
  CV, show your exhibitions if any. In your case, mention where your graphite works have been
  Contact details and links to all your social media. Including this forum

If you don't hear back within 4 weeks, follow up with a polite email. If you still hear nothing, then it is a 'don't call us, we'll call you' thing. Oh, and avoid sending out the same block email to a dozen or so places. Make each email individual to the studio.

AIM HIGH. Don't undervalue yourself, chosse the studio you want to be in, even if you think you aren't 'good' enough, or experienced enough. It cannot hurt to aim for where you want to be, rather than work where you will be unhappy. I would stress that you don't offer your services for free, but do let them know you are just beginning your artistic journey into skin art in your cover letter.
... and good luck!

[PogArt-Ttoo]

oh my goodness. What a horrible situation. You are well out if it. Your ex-boss sounds like a person that takes advantage of people, either young females are sexually harrassed, or aspiring artists are not paid their worth being told you need 'experience'. This guy gives a bad name to tatoo studios - which face it, don't have a good historical reputation already! But good studios are trying hard to clean up that reputation, and there are many around.
Don't give up on your dream.
But moving forward, treat it in a more professional way. There are some excellent tattoo studios around, but you need to approach them as you would an art gallery. Here’s what I have had to do to get into a new gallery:
1. Visit the studios website and review their style and see if you fit. Quietly visit the gallery/studio and just look at the presentation of the place. Is it neat and clean? Do the staff seem happy? Does the curator (boss) seem a nice person, or a snob/jerk? Do they display art you like? You don't have to give a reason for being there at all - if they ask, just say you are interested in skin art and see where it goes. Avoid asking up front for a job right away. Feel the place out first.
2. Read/find out about the studios culture. Perhaps they have a mission statement on the website
3. Follow them on Instagram or sign up for their newsletter.
4. See if they work with emerging artists or prefer established names.
5. Once you find the parlour you like, send them an email that is short and professional and includes:

• 3 or 4 work examples with titles and date
  An artist statement that explains your practice and preferred themes
  CV, show your exhibitions if any. In your case, mention where your graphite works have been
  Contact details and links to all your social media. Including this forum

If you don't hear back within 4 weeks, follow up with a polite email. If you still hear nothing, then it is a 'don't call us, we'll call you' thing. Oh, and avoid sending out the same block email to a dozen or so places. Make each email individual to the studio.

AIM HIGH. Don't undervalue yourself, chosse the studio you want to be in, even if you think you aren't 'good' enough, or experienced enough. It cannot hurt to aim for where you want to be, rather than work where you will be unhappy. I would stress that you don't offer your services for free, but do let them know you are just beginning your artistic journey into skin art in your cover letter.
... and good luck!

I’ve read your full body advice in silence - you’re very wise artist and you know we’ll all the pros and cons, what to avoid, how to play your cards etc.
THANK YOU LINDA
I will REMEMBER

I did ask a week ago for advice/possible apprenticeship at one Tattoo Shop near by.
There’s two Polish artists running the Studio, I felt they might offer me space and stay with them hopefully?
After long talk I knew they aren’t interested unfortunately.
I was advised though to keep practice at home for now, until I make not 10 but 100 tattoos to build up my portfolio.
He said, having few questionable tattoos in your hands won’t impress anybody, and possibly if they accept you as an apprentice, you’ll end up on the same floor level for additional year or so.
But (he said) if you will have many tattoos to show off, then they will see potential in you, and the better tattoos, the more likely they’ll accept you there…
He said he was tattooing from home for around 4 years.

So I’ve had my first client home yesterday.
He’s very happy and sharing positive news about me already
I’m planning to apply for the tattoo artist licence, to have it in hand.
And basically this is my plan for now - just keep practicing for little money for now, to attract people, and be able to cover my spendings like inks, needles or else…
What future brings me, nobody knows - but I’m sure I’m not keen sweeping, mopping floors for somebody for second year in row, it’s just too much.
I was simply tired after about 2h of cleaning to make tattoo for my client …
I was struggling to focus, I was hurry up to prepare my station, stencil, just simply tired.
I know I am not appreciated do the same for another year…

So now I started taking customers home.
Let’s see how it goes.
After some time if I can see I’ve improved my skills, I may use your wise advice Linda and start searching for tattoo salon that I’ll be happy to work for

THANK YOU VERY MUCH